bring to a head
bring (something) to a head
To intensify a situation to the point that action must be taken. The issues that you're trying to ignore in your relationship will be brought to a head eventually, so you might as well deal with them now. The mayor's insensitive comments brought tensions in our community to a head.
See also: bring, head
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
bring something to a head
to cause something to come to the point when a decision has to be made or action taken. The latest disagreement between management and the union has brought matters to a head. There will be an all-out strike now. It's a relief that things have been brought to a head. The disputes have been going on for months.
See also: bring, head
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
bring to a head
Cause to reach a turning point or crisis. For example, Management's newest policy has brought matters to a head. The related phrase come to a head means "to reach a crisis," as in With the last break-in, the question of security came to a head. These phrases allude to the medical sense of head, the tip of an abscess that is about to burst. [Mid-1500s]
See also: bring, head
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- bring (something) to a head
- bring something/come to a head
- come to a head
- come to a head, to
- a thick skin
- a thick/thin skin
- pour salt in(to) the/(one's) wound(s)
- rub salt in a wound
- rub salt into the wound
- rub salt into the wound/into somebody's wounds